Considering the fact that the Panzer III was a product of the 1930s, this German medium tank did well to serve so long throughout WWII. It was obviously supplanted by the Panzer IV and later the Panther in the tank-versus-tank role, but it did later find a niche in the infantry support role. This is most clearly expressed in the final Pz.Kpfw.III variant to enter service - the Ausf.N, of which 700 were manufactured or converted.

The Panzer III N entered service in June 1942 and production continued until August 1943. Key characteristics of the Ausf.N were its basis on the Ausf.J or M chassis, and the fitting of a short-barreled 7.5cm KwK37 L/24 gun. Ironically, this was the weapon fitted to older Panzer IV A-F1 tanks. Thus equipped, the Panzer III N was used in the close-support role in Tiger battalions or Panzergrenadier divisions.

Dragon has previously produced a number of Panzer III kits in 1/35 scale, but the newest variant is a fine rendering of the Ausf.N. Amongst its many features is a full set of turret and hull Schurzen - 5mm-thick armored skirts that were fitted to original vehicles from March 1943 onwards to protect against enemy antitank weapons. On the kit, the Schurzen and associated support brackets involve brand new toolings. The hull Schurzen side-skirts are made from metal to achieve true scale thickness, with the added benefit of allowing modelers to recreate realistic battle damage. There is also a turret-mounted stowage bin (known as Gepack Kasten) that can be displayed with its hatch open or closed. The fenders are also brand new items exclusive to this Ausf.N kit. New, too, are the brake-cooling inlets on the glacis. This is an exciting new 1/35 kit of an important Panzer III variant - the ideal vehicle to accompany a Tiger tank or German infantrymen!